Troy Trojans and Jacksonville State Gamecocks Revive In-State Rivalry After 24 Years
After nearly a quarter-century of silence between these Alabama rivals, the Troy Trojans and Jacksonville State Gamecocks are set to face off in the Salute to Veterans Bowl at Montgomery’s historic Cramton Bowl. This December 16 matchup represents more than just another bowl game—it’s the revival of an in-state rivalry with deep roots that stretch back decades. While Jacksonville State holds a slight edge in the all-time series (33-28-2), Troy enters the contest having won the last seven meetings between these programs. Their most recent clash in November 2001 saw Troy dominate with a 21-3 victory, but much has changed for both programs in the intervening years as they’ve established themselves as consistent mid-major powers.
Both teams enter this contest with identical 8-5 records and similar stories of conference success followed by championship game disappointment. The Trojans captured the Sun Belt Conference’s West Division before falling to playoff-bound James Madison in their conference title game. Meanwhile, Jacksonville State shared the Conference USA regular-season championship with a 7-1 conference record before stumbling against Kennesaw State in their championship showdown. These parallel journeys make for an intriguing matchup, as both squads look to end their seasons on a high note and establish bragging rights that will echo across Alabama until their next meeting.
The quarterback matchup offers a fascinating contrast in styles. Troy’s Goose Crowder, who is expected to play despite an injury in the conference championship game, brings a more traditional passing approach to the field. In seven games this season, Crowder has thrown for 1,314 yards with 11 touchdowns against five interceptions. His top targets have been game-breakers Rara Thomas (34 catches, 577 yards, 5 TDs) and DJ Epps (44 receptions, 480 yards, 5 TDs). On the other sideline, Jacksonville State’s dual-threat quarterback Caden Creel presents a different challenge altogether. Creel has accumulated 1,341 passing yards and eight touchdowns through the air while adding an impressive 1,085 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on the ground, making him a constant threat to break containment and create explosive plays with his legs.
The ground game could ultimately determine the outcome, with both teams featuring talented backfields. Jacksonville State holds a significant advantage here with Conference USA standout Cam Cook, who has amassed an eye-popping 1,659 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns this season. His production forms the foundation of the Gamecocks’ offensive identity. Troy’s rushing attack has been somewhat compromised by transfer portal departures, with Tae Meadows now unavailable. This leaves Jordan Lovett (317 yards, 2 TDs) as their primary backfield option. The Trojans will need to find creative ways to establish balance against a Jacksonville State defense that has shown vulnerability at times despite the ball-hawking abilities of defensive standout Caleb Nix, who leads the team with four interceptions.
Defensively, both teams feature playmakers who could swing momentum with a single play. Troy’s defense is spearheaded by Donnie Smith, whose 10 sacks this season demonstrate his ability to disrupt opposing backfields and create pressure. The Trojans’ secondary is anchored by Jaquez White, who has snagged three interceptions while breaking up 11 passes, showcasing his coverage skills. Meanwhile, Jacksonville State will rely on Caleb Nix to patrol the defensive backfield and make plays against Crowder’s passing attack. The battle in the trenches will be particularly important, as Troy’s offensive line must overcome the absence of injured lineman Eli Russ against a Gamecocks defense that will surely look to exploit this weakness.
For fans and players alike, this contest represents more than just another bowl game—it’s a chance to reignite a dormant rivalry between two proud Alabama programs separated by just 140 miles. Broadcast nationally on ESPN, this 9:00 PM ET kickoff promises to deliver compelling storylines, contrasting offensive approaches, and the intensity that naturally develops when in-state opponents square off. Whether you’re a lifelong supporter of either program or simply a college football enthusiast looking for one more taste of the sport’s unique pageantry before the season concludes, the Salute to Veterans Bowl offers a perfect opportunity to witness two accomplished programs with rich histories battling for state supremacy and bowl game glory.
